This being the cornerback, a redshirt sophomore who shares a namesake with Iowa State's quarterback. Sam E. Richardson has started every game for the Cyclones and has done quite well, fourth on the team in total tackles (44), a rare feat for a defensive player on the outside edge.

Richardson forced a fumble against Texas Tech and he also has broken up six passes, most on the team, and defended six others. But despite what those last two stats suggest, Richardson is not actually very good at playing the ball in the air. He's had the ball taken away from him (Tulsa) and he's lost it on fade routes (Texas Tech). He's simply not big enough to play the outside receivers of the conference.

What he's best at is tackling, and he's as sound in that regard as you could ask of a cornerback. Richardson uses his 5-foot-7 frame to his advantage, maintaining a low center of balance and reading a players' hips, not his head.

So, my idea this week? Assuming Jansen Watson is ready to play a full game, slide Richardson inside to nickel back while giving freshman Nigel Tribune the start at left cornerback. Carry on with Charlie Rogers as a bit player, alternating with Jared Brackens at outside 'backer in passing situations — an upgrade in coverage, too.

Richardson's skill set translates to the nickel, where he'd be matched against slot receivers he can better size up. He'd shore up run defense, his smallish stature being counteracted by his strong tackling fundamentals.

At the same time, it'd allow Tribune to continue to learn on the spot. The more lumps the true freshman takes now, the higher his ceiling can climb; he has improved since an awful series against Texas' Mike Davis in early October.

If the Cyclones can get better on the outside and the inside — against the run and the pass — while building toward the future, it's a win-win.

This being the cornerback, a redshirt sophomore who shares a namesake with Iowa State's quarterback. Sam E. Richardson has started every game for the Cyclones and has done quite well, fourth on the team in total tackles (44), a rare feat for a defensive player on the outside edge.

Richardson forced a fumble against Texas Tech and he also has broken up six passes, most on the team, and defended six others. But despite what those last two stats suggest, Richardson is not actually very good at playing the ball in the air. He's had the ball taken away from him (Tulsa) and he's lost it on fade routes (Texas Tech). He's simply not big enough to play the outside receivers of the conference.

What he's best at is tackling, and he's as sound in that regard as you could ask of a cornerback. Richardson uses his 5-foot-7 frame to his advantage, maintaining a low center of balance and reading a players' hips, not his head.

So, my idea this week? Assuming Jansen Watson is ready to play a full game, slide Richardson inside to nickel back while giving freshman Nigel Tribune the start at left cornerback. Carry on with Charlie Rogers as a bit player, alternating with Jared Brackens at outside 'backer in passing situations — an upgrade in coverage, too.

Richardson's skill set translates to the nickel, where he'd be matched against slot receivers he can better size up. He'd shore up run defense, his smallish stature being counteracted by his strong tackling fundamentals.

At the same time, it'd allow Tribune to continue to learn on the spot. The more lumps the true freshman takes now, the higher his ceiling can climb; he has improved since an awful series against Texas' Mike Davis in early October.

If the Cyclones can get better on the outside and the inside — against the run and the pass — while building toward the future, it's a win-win.